ChickSpeak

 I recently travelled to London, England for a month to study abroad and earn college credit. Travelling out of the United States was quite an experience; it was my first time out of the country and I had no idea what to expect.  When I arrived in London and spent some time there, I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting and fun it was, but I was also concerned with spending my money wisely and being safe. Below are some tips on travelling safely, spending wisely, and things to do to have a fun and memorable trip.

Top Ten UK Travel Tips:

1.      Without a doubt, one of the best things to do when you first arrive in London is to take the double-decker red bus tour of the city. Yes, it may sound cheesy and touristy, but it is really fun. Besides being fun, taking the tour allows you to get your bearings in busy London and helps you plan out other things that you would like to do.

2.      Keep in mind that London is an expensive place. With the exchange rate being so high, it is important to keep a watchful eye on your money. Don’t be discouraged though; you can still do some great shopping and dining out on a limited budget, which leads me to my next tip… 

3.      A great way to save money, believe it or not, is to buy things at the grocery store for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Tesco, a popular UK grocery chain, is the perfect place to do this. With fresh, pre-made sandwiches and salads and other tasty treats such as hummus and fruit cups, you can eat healthy as well as save money. Another way to eat well and save your money is to eat at local pubs. The menu’s offer home-cooked meal selections for inexpensive prices.

4.      This may be a no-brainer, but the best places to visit are the historic landmarks in London.  Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and my personal favorite, the Tower of London, are truly fantastic sights to see. They all offer tours led by experienced tour guides who can tell you not only interesting facts but fun stories.

5.       Don’t be afraid to use public transportation. The subway in London, a.k.a the tube, is a great way to get where you need to go. It is extremely easy to use and can take you just about anywhere very quickly. Your best bet is to purchase an Oyster Card, your ticket to get on and off the tube, for the duration of your stay.

6.      Be cautious while you are out and about. As in many major cities, the UK has a problem with pickpockets that linger just about anywhere. The pickpockets are highly skilled and can steal from you without you even knowing it. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a watchful eye on your things. Carry a bag or purse with a zipper-close, rather than just a flap or drawstring, and always keep the zipper toward your front while holding the bag. Also, never sit you purse on the floor without keeping your feet closed tightly around it- pickpockets in London are notorious for using devices such as coat hangers to pull your bag out from under your feet without you even knowing it.  With all of that said, don’t be afraid to go out and have fun. Just be very mindful of yourself, your things, and your surroundings.

7.      Before leaving, photo copy all of the important documents and identification that you will be travelling with. Leave one copy at home with family or friends, and take a copy with you for emergency purposes. Be sure, though, to store your photo copies in a different place than your original documents.

8.      Do shop. Shop a lot, even if it is only window shopping. There are some fabulous shops to see in London, but just remember that a lot of the things you can purchase there, you can also buy at home for half the price at major retail stores. Some places to shop that won’t break the bank are the great outdoor markets, Portobello Market and Camden Lock. You can find some great local, and often times handmade things for affordable prices.

9.      Visit Kensington Palace and see the photo exhibit of Princess Diana by Mario Testino. The photos are beautiful and really seem to capture her spirit. There are also a few dresses on display that were previously worn by the Princess.

10.  Plan a day trip to some of the famous landmarks outside of London. Some interesting places to visit include Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, The Cotswold’s, and the Roman Baths in the town of Bath. These trips can be planned through your hotel concierge.